Waiting list validation
Are you currently on a patient waiting list?
NHSScotland is rolling out a new text message service to make sure that their waiting lists are up to date, and check whether patients still need their appointments or surgery.
This month all patients in NHS Lanarkshire who are on a waiting list for an Orthopaedic, Endoscopy or Dermatology appointment or procedure will get a text message from the National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU). This service is delivered in partnership with the digital solutions provider, DrDoctor.
Anne Burgon, Service Manager, National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU), explains: “NECU supports local NHS Boards to ensure that information held on NHS Scotland waiting lists is accurate, helping us to reallocate any appointments or operations that are no longer needed to others on the waiting list.”
Patients will receive a text message from the NHS Scotland National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) on mobile number 07860 039092.
This will include a link to a short survey asking if patients still need their appointment, followed by a few questions to confirm their identity. People who are answering the survey on behalf of someone else must provide the patient’s details at this stage.
Anne added: “If you are waiting for an orthopaedic, endoscopy or dermatology appointment within NHS Lanarkshire, please do not ignore this message. Click on the link in your message to complete the survey and follow the simple instructions.
“We want to reassure our patients that the information gathered will only be used to manage our waiting lists, and all information shared will be kept safe and secure.
“This service has been used by a number of boards over the last year and has been extremely successful in determining, not only if the appointment was still required, but in prioritising urgent cases.”
The National Elective Coordination Unit adheres to NHS Scotland clinical and information governance standards, policies and procedures.
You can find out more about this by visiting our website: https://www.nhscfsd.co.uk/our-work/national-elective-coordination-unit/. You can also scan the QR code below to visit our website.
Background information
As part of NHS Golden Jubilee, the National Elective Coordination Unit adheres to all NHS Golden Jubilee and NHS Scotland clinical and information governance standards, policies and procedures.
Data will be shared in line with the Intra NHS Scotland Sharing Accord and associated Directorate Letter setting out the need for seamless data flow to support cross boundary working and patient care.
NHS Golden Jubilee has signed a Data Processing Agreement with the supplier on behalf of the National Elective Coordination Unit.
The National Elective Coordination Unit (NECU) was established by the Scottish Government to support national waiting times recovery.
Hosted by the Centre for Sustainable Delivery at NHS Golden Jubilee, NECU supports local NHS Boards to ensure that information held on NHS Scotland waiting lists is accurate and helping us to reallocate any appointments that are no longer needed to others on the waiting list.
For more information visit the dedicated National Elective Coordination Unit page on the Centre for Sustainable Delivery website.
